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On a few separate occasions this week, I’ve caught people sighing and muttering the dejected phrase, “Summer is almost over.” But take a look at the calendar — fall equinox isn’t until September 20. There’s still plenty of summer left! Case in point: Just this week, we learned the first of many bands that will be taking place in the annual West Bank Music Festival, which will return to Cedar Ave. on August 18, a sure sign that there’s plenty of outdoor fun still in store for us.

Chin up, party people. And don’t forget to go outside…

1. Red Fox Grey Fox reunite for the West Bank Festival

Fans of We Are the Willows may remember a time when frontman Peter Michael Miller was active in a decidedly more rock-influenced project. Miller’s first band, Red Fox Grey Fox, will reunite next month at the Triple Rock Social Club as part of the sprawling West Bank Music Festival, which takes over the entire Cedar-Riverside intersection. No word yet on the other acts performing this year, but I’ll be sure to post that info as soon as I receive it.

In the meantime, take a gander at this new video from Red Fox Grey Fox, which marks the end of their two-and-a-half year hiatus from performing.

2. Now, Now drummer Bradley Hale debuts Sombear

Hat tip to Gimme Noise for noting that Sombear — the solo electronic project of Now, Now’s Bradley Hale — has quietly hit the web. Sample his sampling and production chops here:

3. Solid Gold get a new lineup

Solid Gold have gone through a few lineup changes since the release of their breakout album, Bodies of Water, and you can check out their most current configuration in this new live video. With drummer Drew Christopherson busy touring with Poliça, Solid Gold’s core members Zach Coulter, Adam Hurlburt, and Matt Locher have recruited musical brothers Jake and Jeremy Hanson to flesh out their live band.

4. Ben Kyle of Romantica readies solo album

News came in today via MN Original’s blog that Ben Kyle, lead singer of Americana act Romantica, is getting ready to release his first solo project. According to the blog, it will feature a laundry list of special guests, including Jessy Greene, Carrie Rodriguez, JT Bates, and four different renowned pedal steel players. Read more here, and revisit MN Original’s profile of Romantica below.

5. Jordon Looney is here

Nothing says “Minnesota hip hop” quite like an earflap cap with a Twins logo sewn onto it. For the final video today, sample the rhymes of up-and-comer Jordan Looney, a St. Paul native who is currently based in Chicago but who recorded this new video in Minneapolis.